Nearly 80% of the adult population in America has tried their hand at some stage at gambling. Often merely for recreational purposes since many consider the act of gaming as a pleasureful thrill surrounding money. Yet when the thrill turns into an addiction, and the law has lost its fun element, then some gamblers would continue. Thus the question arises of why do players continue if it isn’t fun anymore? Maybe because gambling is an art in its own right, the art of deceit.
The Reward of Uncertainty
Uncertainty of whether you are going to win the jackpot, whether you are going to lose it all, whether today is that day, is one of the biggest subconscious attractions to gambling. When the possibility of reward remains uncertain, the human brain keeps on releasing dosages of dopamine. The anticipation of possibly winning is rewarded with feelings of enjoyment and excitement. Research has also indicated that gambling triggers the same areas of the brain as when a drug addict receives a fix. The effect of this constant surge of dopamine to your mind even alters your feelings towards losing. Thus making the uncertainty in gambling the main attraction to this deceitful form of art.
Immersing Yourself in the Environment
Being able to stand in front of a great work of art is only truly appreciated when the onlooker can truly immerse him or herself into the scenery portrayed. Complete immersion is what gamblers are lured in by time and time again. Gambling is indeed more than just betting and either winning or losing. Casinos are well-planned works of art aiming at alluring gamblers back to the lights and the sounds of excitement. The visual and audio thrills are as enticing and well-planned as every brushstroke and note in great works of art or music. Each has a purpose of fulfilling, of gaining interest to keep you engaged.
Feeling Enriched
Once again, gambling is compared to attending a magnificent art exhibition or musical presentation. The onlooker might not gain any monetary value from participating; in fact, it probably means something out of pocket to them. Yet afterwards, there is a looming sense of achievement, leaving as someone who has just gained something. Alternatively leaving the casino with empty pockets again feeling like a winner, high on dopamine and low on funds. Casinos went even one step further and adjusted their machines to be more electronically advanced, the placement of lights, the brightness of the scenery, being able to play multi-line slot machines. It leaves the gambler with a feeling of achievement when there is none.
Fostering False Impressions of Skill
Gambling does not relate to skill at all, yet it is perceived that way. Even the recreational gambler is gambling against much bigger odds than those presented in front of you. You are indeed betting against being allured into a world where also losing is celebrated, consistently charged on dopamine and truly immersed in an art form aimed at deceiving you.